Skin cancer is divided into two major groups: non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Customized treatment is required for each type of skin cancer.

Treatment of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Surgery and Other Treatments

Surgery is necessary to treat melanoma. The cancer itself and some surrounding tissue will be removed. The amount of skin removed depends on how deep the melanoma has grown. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the lymph nodes may also be removed.

Treatment is more difficult when the melanoma has spread to other organs. You may receive:

Photodynamic therapy, or treatment using light, may be used for Bowen's disease.

Radiation therapy may be used for squamous cell skin cancer that has spread to organs or lymph nodes, or when it cannot be treated with surgery.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is divided into two major groups: non-melanoma and melanoma.

Melanoma

Melanoma is caused by changes in cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin, a skin pigment responsible for skin and hair color. Melanoma can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that changes in appearance. Some moles present at birth may develop into melanomas.

There are 4 major types of melanoma:

Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common. Flat and irregular in shape and color, with different shades of black and brown, it is most common in Caucasians.

Nodular melanoma usually starts as a dark blackish-blue or bluish-red raised area; some have no color.

Lentigo maligna melanoma usually occurs in older adults. Most common in sun-damaged skin on the face, neck and arms, this type of melanoma is usually large, flat and tan with areas of brown.

Acral lentiginous melanoma, the least common form, usually occurs on the palms, soles or under the nails and is more common in African Americans.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer, and is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, 75% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma may occur in normal skin or in skin that has been injured or inflamed. Although it usually occurs on the face, ears, neck, hands or arm, it may occur on other areas.

How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are diagnosed by a skin biopsy that removes all or part of the growth. A sentinal lymph node biopsy may be done in some people with melanoma to ensure that the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Once melanoma has been diagnosed, CT scans or other types of imaging tests may be ordered by your oncologist to determine whether the cancer has spread.